Which event led to the formation of a noticeable labor movement and increased conflict between labor and law enforcement?

The Great Railroad Strike is a significant event that led to the formation of a noticeable labor movement and increased conflict between labor and law enforcement. In 1877, this nationwide strike was sparked by wage cuts and poor working conditions in the railroad industry. It quickly escalated into a massive uprising, involving thousands of railroad workers and spreading across multiple states as workers from various backgrounds—including miners and factory workers—joined in solidarity.

The strike demonstrated the growing unrest among workers and highlighted the government's willingness to side with corporate interests over labor rights. In several cities, violence erupted, resulting in confrontations between strikers and law enforcement, as well as the National Guard. The federal intervention marked a turning point in labor relations, illustrating the increasing tensions between labor and authority and laying the groundwork for future labor movements and strikes in the United States.

While the Tompkins Square riot, Pullman Strike, and Haymarket Affair also involved significant labor issues and conflicts, the Great Railroad Strike is often regarded as the catalyst that brought the labor movement into prominence and drew national attention to workers' rights and the need for better labor laws.